Maria Taylor has decided to come forward to speak on the growing ESPN turmoil surrounding host Rachel Nichols.
Over the weekend, the New York Times reported on a leaked audio clip that captured ESPN host Rachel Nichols—who is white—expressing her displeasure with the network’s promotion of Taylor, who is Black.
On Wednesday, Taylor addressed the matter on her Twitter account.
“During the dark times I always remember that I am in this position to open doors and light the path that others walk down,” Taylor wrote. “I’ve taken some punches but that just means I’m still in the fight. Remember to lift as you climb and always KEEP RISING.”
The leaked audio recorded a discussion between Nichols and Adam Mendelsohn, who is an adviser to LeBron James and his agent, Rich Pau. The conversation occurred last summer.
Nichols felt Taylor received NBA Finals hosting duties because ESPN was “feeling pressure” about its “crappy longtime record on diversity.” She also expressed a fear of becoming a “victim of them trying to play catch-up” with regard to equal opportunities.
Nichols has since been removed from her duties at ESPN as the NBA Finals sideline reporter. It also canceled its Tuesday edition of her show, “The Jump.”
Nichols started her Monday show with a tearful apology to Taylor.
The following day, Taylor appeared on the network for the first time since the audio clip circulated. She hosted “NBA Countdown” ahead of Game 1 of the league’s finals.
As the controversy mounts, ESPN is forced to face a pivotal decision over Taylor’s future with the network. Her contract is set to expire later this month, and The Post’s Andrew Marchand reported last week that she is seeking “Stephen A. Smith money,” which is near $8 million annually. Taylor has already declined a new deal that would pay her almost $5 million per year, a significant raise from her current salary of $1 million.
